A short review on induced spawning and seed production of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus in Malaysia

African catfish Clarias gariepinus is one among the highly prized freshwater fish species. The most important criteria for successful propagation of any cultivable fish species in aquaculture is the availability of sufficient quantity larvae of uniform size, quality, and free of diseases, parasites, and pests at the time of stocking in culture ponds. Traditional methods of induced spawning for fish are based on the injection of gonadotropic hormones from different sources, including extract of carp pituitary gland, partially purified fish gonadotropic hormones and mammalian gonadotropic hormones, especially human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Several synthetic analogues of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) and preparations have been used in fish breeding and seed production in different fish species. GnRH and its super-active analogues have been used in catfish breeding. Such treatment results in the release of the fish own gonadotropin. The use of natural and synthetic hormones in the induction of spawning and seed production in air-breathing fishes is well documented. This paper will review the research conducted on induced spawning and seed production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Malaysia.